# System Patterns

## Architecture Patterns

### 1. Plugin System
- Uses lazy.nvim for plugin management
- Plugins are defined in init.lua
- Supports lazy loading via events/commands
- Custom plugins can be added in lua/custom/plugins/

### 2. Configuration Structure
```
.
├── init.lua                 # Main configuration file
├── lua/
│   ├── kickstart/          # Core functionality
│   │   └── plugins/        # Built-in plugin configs
│   └── custom/            # User customizations
│       └── plugins/       # Custom plugin configs
└── doc/                   # Documentation
```

### 3. Key Design Patterns

#### Modular Configuration
- Core settings in init.lua
- Plugin-specific configurations in separate files
- Custom configurations isolated in lua/custom/

#### Event-Driven Architecture
- Uses Neovim's event system for plugin loading
- Autocommands for specific behaviors
- LSP events for IDE features

#### Layer-Based Organization
1. Core Settings Layer
   - Basic Vim options
   - Key mappings
   - Global variables

2. Plugin Layer
   - Plugin management
   - Plugin configurations
   - Plugin-specific settings

3. LSP Layer
   - Language server configurations
   - Completion setup
   - Diagnostic settings

4. UI Layer
   - Colorscheme
   - Statusline
   - Visual enhancements

## Technical Decisions

### 1. Configuration Language
- Lua chosen over VimScript for:
  - Better performance
  - Modern syntax
  - Rich data structures
  - Better integration with Neovim

### 2. Plugin Selection
- Minimal but powerful set of defaults
- Focus on maintained, actively developed plugins
- Preference for Lua-based plugins
- Built-in LSP over CoC or similar alternatives

### 3. Code Organization
- Single init.lua for easy understanding
- Modular structure available through kickstart-modular.nvim
- Clear separation between core and user customizations

### 4. Performance Considerations
- Lazy loading of plugins
- Efficient event handling
- Minimal startup impact
- Careful LSP configuration

## Key Technical Standards

1. Code Style
   - Consistent Lua formatting
   - Clear commenting
   - Documented configuration options

2. Plugin Management
   - Versioned dependencies
   - Conditional loading
   - Clear plugin specifications

3. Error Handling
   - Protected calls for plugin loading
   - Fallbacks for missing dependencies
   - Clear error messages

4. Documentation
   - Inline documentation
   - Help files
   - Clear user instructions